Tiller mounted clutch and throttle control

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is an outboard motor including a combination clutch and throttle control which is rotatably mounted on the tiller of a propulsion unit and which includes a first member connected to a rotatable throttle control member for common rotary movement so as to control the throttle of the outboard motor engine and a second member which has a common rotary movement with the first member and which is movable axially of the first member and which is connected through a push-pull member to a remote clutch control member to effect clutch actuation in response to axial movement of the second member relative to the first member. Accordingly coordinated steering, speed, and clutch control can be accomplished by an operator using one hand on the clutch and throttle control assembly.

United States Patent 1191 1111 3,820,641 Borst et al. June 28, 1974 [54]TILLER MOUNTED CLUTCH AND 2,682,248 6/1954 Sitz 74/480 B THROTTLECONTROL FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Inventors: Gaylord i i Fuelling,1,240,262 7/1960 France 74/489 Jr., both of Galesburg, lll. [73]Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation, Primary x miner-Benjamin W. Wychewaukegan, L Attorney, Agent, or F1rm--M1chael, Best & Friedrich [22]Filed: Jan. 29, 1973 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl' 105321768 Disclosed hereinis an outboard motor including a Rehted Appncatiun Data combinationclutch and throttle control which is rotat- [63] Continuation of Ser.No. 65 498 Aug. 20 1970 y mounted on the of a propulsion unit andabandon whlch includes a first member connected to a rotatable throttlecontrol member for common rotary [52] CL 192L098, 74/47] R 74/480 Bmovement so as to control the throttle of the outboard 74/489 motorengine and a second member which has a com- 51] 1m. (:1 B60k 21/00mmmtary movement with the first member and [58] Fiem of Search H 74/471R 47] XY, 4 B, which is movable axially of the first member and 74/48951] 5518 192/084)- 092 which is connected through a push-pull member toa 094 .096 remote clutch control member to effect clutch actuation inresponse to axial movement of the second [56] References Cited memberrelative to the first member. Accordingly coordinated steering, speed,and clutch control can be v UNITED STATES PATENTS accomplished by anoperator using one hand on the 2,668,200 2/1954 Glaze 74/471 10 Claims,6 Drawing Figures h 5 t z/ V 2: 23

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PATENTlEnJuuza 1914 zz/zzz/erzars' TILLER MOUNTED CLUTCH AND THROTTLECONTROL This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 65,498, filedAug. 20, 1970, and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to clutch and throttlecontrols for outboard motors, and particularly to such controls foroutboard motors which have a throttle control member remotely locatedrelative to a clutch control member so as to provide controlling of thethrottle and clutch by a single one of the operators hands.

The invention also relates to an arrangement mounted on the tiller of anoutboard motor to afford control of steering, speed, andclutch functionswith one hand. While previous arrangements have been mounted on a tillerfor providing-integrated throttle and clutch regulation under thecontrol of one of the operators hands, such prior constructions haveincluded a single rotatable connection which extended along the tillerand which operated a mechanism within thepropulsion unit for providingseparate outputs respectively controlling the throttle and the clutch.The internal mechanism was an integral part of the original outboardmotor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a combined throttle andclutch control assembly which can be mounted on the tiller of anoutboard motor for connection to remotely and separately located clutchand throttle control members, whereby to provide for one handed controlof steering, clutch, and throttle functions.

In accordance with the invention, the throttle and clutch controlassembly includes a first member or inner tube which is adapted to bemovably mounted on the tiller of an outboard motor and connected to athrottle control member of the outboard motor for common movementtherewith to actuate the throttle control member, together with a secondmember or outer handle which has common movement with the inner tube, aswell as telescopic movement relative to the inner tube, and a push-pullmember which is connected to the outer handle for common movement andwhich is adapted to be connected to a clutch controlling member on theoutboard motor for actuation thereof.

Also in accordance with the invention, the outer handle is movablerelative to the inner tube between neutral, forward, and reversepositions and there is provided a releasable lock means carried by theouter handle and cooperating with the inner tube for releasably lockingthe outer handle in the neutral position relative to the inner tube,whereby to prevent inadvertent reversal in the direction of operation ofthe outboard motor.

Also in accordance with the invention, the push-pull member comprisesone component of a push-pull cable including an outer sheath anchored atone end to the inner tube and adapted to be anchored at the other end tothe outboard motor, and wherein the push-pull member comprises an innercore movable within the outer sheath and connected at one end to theouter handle for common movement therewith and adapted to be connectedat the other end to the clutch control member.

The invention also provides means for preventing unwanted disassembly ofthe outer handle from the inner tube by means including a push-pullcable having an inner core connected to the outer handle and an outersheath connected to the inner tube and means for limiting the extent ofpermissable travel of the inner core relative to the outer sheath topreclude disconnection of the outer handle from the inner tube.

The invention also provides an integrated clutch and throttle controlarrangement mounted on the tiller of an outboard motor wherein rotatablemovement regulates the engine throttle and movement axially of thetiller regulates clutch operation. In addition, the invention provides areleasable means for preventing axial movement from a neutral positionwhereby to prevent inadvertent reversal in the direction of operation ofthe outboard motor.

One of the principal objects of the invention is the provision of acombined throttle and clutch control assembly which can be incorporatedas original equipment in an outboard motor or which can be employed as aconversion kit to adapt previously existing outboard motors withseparate remotely operated clutch and throttle controlsto provide onehanded operation of clutch, throttle, and steering functions.

Another principal object of the invention is the provision of a tillercarried control for the clutch and throttle of an outboard motor, whichcontrol is provided with detent means releasably locating the control inone or more drive positions, and/or with releasable lock meanspreventing movement from a neutral position in the absence of thedepression by the operator of a release member or button, therebypreventing inadvertent reversal in the direction of operation of theoutboard motor.

Another principal object of the invention is the provision of a tillermounted clutch and throttle control assembly which is relativelyeconomical to manufacture and which will provide reliable operation overa long and useful life.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become known byreference to the following descrip tion and accompanying drawings.

DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary top plan view of an outboard motorembodying various of the features of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged view, partially broken away and insection, of the combined throttle and clutch control assembly mounted onthe tiller of the motor shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 33 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 44 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 2.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Shown in FIG. 1 is an outboard motor 11 whichconventionally includes means such as a transom bracket and swivelbracket assembly 13 adapted to be connected to the transom of a boat(not shown), together with a propulsion unit 17 which is carried by thetransom bracket and swivel bracket assembly 13 for vertical tiltingmovement about a horizontal axis and for steering movement relative tothe boat about an axis perpendicular to the tilting axis. As is alsoconventional, the outboard motor 11 includes an engine (not shown) and areversing clutch or transmission (not shown) for affording operation ofthe outboard motor in each of forward, reverse, and neutral conditions.Actuation of the clutch between its several conditions is provided by aclutch control lever or member 19 which is pivotally mounted on thepropulsion unit 17. As is also conventional, the propulsion unit 17includes a steering handle or tiller 21 which, if desired, may bepivoted about an axis transverse to the steering axis to permit locationof the handle or tiller 21 in a collapsed storage condition. Rotatablymounted by the steering handle or tiller 21 (See FIG. 2) is a throttlecontrol member 23 which is suitably connected within the propulsion unit17 to the throttle of the engine. As is also conventional, the tiller 21includes, at the outer end thereof, a friction or ring block 27 which iskeyed to the steering handle or tiller 21, which is apertured at 29 toreceive and guide rotation of the throttle control member 23, and whichis biased outwardly of the tiller 21 by a spring 31 seated, at one end,against an internal web 33 of the tiller 21.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided means in the form ofa combined throttle and clutch control assembly 41 which is movablymounted on the tiller 21 and which includes a first member or inner tube43 connected to the throttle control member 23 for common rotarymovement therewith and an outer handle or second member 47 having commonrotary movement with the first member 43 and telescopic movementrelative to the first member 43, together with a push-pull member 49connected to the second member 47 for common movement relative to thefirst member 43 and additionally connected to the clutchcontrol member19 on the propulsion unit 17. Thus, when using a device in accordancewith the invention, one hand can be used to provide coordinatedsteering, throttle, and clutch control in an outboard motor.

More specifically, the first member comprises an inner sleeve or tube 43having oppositely extending generally cylindrical bores 51 and 53separated by an intermediate web 57 which is centrally apertured at 59to permit passage of the outer end of the rotatably mounted throttlecontrol member 23.

The bore 51 adjacent to the tiller 21 is rotatably received over theadjacent cylindrical outer end surface of the tiller, whereby there isprovided a means for rotatably mounting the throttle and clutch assemblyon the tiller. The bore 51 adjacent to the tiller 21 also includes asomewhat conical surface 61 engaging a like surface on the frictionblock ring 27 which is biased thereagainst by the spring 31 so as toafford a desired amount of frictional restraint to rotary movement ofthe throttle and, clutch control assembly 41 relative to the tiller 21.The other or outer bore 53 of the inner tube is also generally circularexcept that a radially inwardly extending, apertured boss 63 is formedon the web 57 and except for an axially extending groove 67 and adiametrically opposed axially spaced series of apertures or catchesincluding two smaller apertures 69 and 71 and a larger aperture 73located centrally of the smaller apertures 69 and 71, which boss,groove, and apertures are provided for purposes to be explained.

Means are provided for providing common rotary movement of the innertube 43 with the throttle control member 23 and for preventingdisassembly of the inner tube 43 from the tiller 21. While otherarrangements can be employed, in the disclosed construction, such meansincludes the before mentioned apertured boss 63, and aperture 59 in theweb 57, together with a screw 77 which is located in the aperture in theboss 63 and threaded into a diametric aperture in the projecting end ofthe throttle control member 23.

The outer handle 47 is a tubular member which, in the disclosedconstruction, is open at both ends and which is carried on the innertube 43 for common rotary movement and for movement relative to theinner tube 43 along the axis of inner tube rotary movement betweenforward, neutral, and reverse positions.

Various means can be provided for affording such common rotary movementand relative axialy movement. In the disclosed construction, the outersurface of the inner tube 43 is provided (See FIGS. 3 and 4) with twodiametrically opposed and axially extending ribs 79 and 81, while theinner surface of the bore of the outer handle 47 includes two axiallyextending recesses 83 and 87 respectively mating with the ribs 79 and 81on the inner tube 43 to afford common rotary movement and relative axialmovement between the inner tube 43 and the outer handle 47. Whilevarious other arrangements could be employed, the axially spacedapertures 69, 71, and 73 in the inner tube 43 extend through the rib 81.

In further accordance with the invention, means are provided forreleasably locking the outer handle 47 in the neutral position and forproviding a releasable detent action when the outer handle 47 is ineither of the forward and reverse drive positions. While variousarrangements can be provided, in the disclosed construction, there isincluded (See FIG. 2) a combined carrier and handle end cap 89 whichserves to support the releasable lock and detent means and to close theouter end of the outer handle 43.

More particularly, the combined carrier and handle end cap 89 includes acentral tubular portion 91 which is located intermediate inner and outerend portions 93 and 97 respectively and which is of relatively smalldiameter and includes axially extending diametrically opposed slots 99.The inner end portion 93 is generally enlarged as compared to thecentral tubular portion 91 and has a generally cylindrical outer surfaceadapted to generally mate with the outer bore 53 of the inner tube 43.

The enlarged inner end portion 93 includes (See FIG. 4) a radial slot111 which is generally rectangular in cross section, which connects withthe bore 113 of the central tubular portion 91 and which has a lock anddetent member 117 movable radially in the slot 111. The lock and detentmember 117 includes a terminal semispherical detent portion 119 which isadapted to be re ceived in the smaller apertures 69 and 71 in the innertube 43 and which extends from a cylindrical lock portion 121 which, inturn, is adapted to be received in the larger aperture 73 and extendsfrom a main body portion 123 which is generally of rectangular crosssection and which is slidably received in the slot 111. Thus, thesemi-spherical detent portion 119 cooperates with the apertures 69 and71 to provide the detent action while the cylindrical portion 121cooperates with the intermediate aperture 73 in the inner tube so areleasable lock.

Means are provided for biasing the lock and detent member 117 radiallyoutwardly of the slot 111 and into selective engagement with theapertures 69, 71, and 73. While various arrangements can be employed, inthe disclosed construction, a helical spring 127 is located in the slot111 between the blind end thereof and the adjacent end of the lock anddetent member 117.

Means are provided for maintaining the lock and detent member 117 withinthe slot 111 against the action of the spring 127 and for selectivelywithdrawing the projecting semisphericaland cylindrical portions 119 and121 within the slot 111 so as to permit movement of the outer handle 47axially of the inner tube 43 from the neutral position. While variousarrangements can be employed, in the disclosed construction, the lockand detent member 117 is provided, intermediate its end, with anaperture 129 having a camming surface 131 cooperating with a cammingsurface 133 on the inner end of a member or button 137 which extendsthrough the combined handle end cap and carrier 89.

as to provide Means are provided for biasing the button 137 outwardly ofthe combined handle end cap. carrier 89 so as to permit the spring 127to extend the combined lock and detent member 117 for selectiveengagement with the apertures 69, 71, and 73. While various arrangementscan be employed, the button 137 includes a stem 139 which is slideablyreceived in the bore 113 of the central portion 91 of the combinedhandle end cap and carrier 89 and an enlarged head 141 which is receivedin a recess 143 in the enlarged outer portion 97 of the combined end capand carrier 89, and there is additionally provided a helical spring 147which surrounds the stem 139 and is seated, at its opposite ends,against the bottom of the recess 143 and the bottom of the button head141. I

In order to maintain alignment of the camming surfaces 131 and 133 andto maintain assembly of the button within the combined handle end capand carrier 89, a transverse pin 149 extends diametrically from the stem139 with the ends of the pin 149 located in the slots 99 in the centraltubular portion 91.

The outer end portion 97 of the combined handle end cap and carrier 89is enlarged relative to the central tubular portion 91 and includes ahandle end closure part 151 together with means for releasably lockingthe combined handle end cap and carrier 89 and assembled button 137 andcombined lock and detent block 117 in the outer handle 47. Moreparticularly in this regard, the outer end of the handle includes tworadially inwardly extending flats 153 and the combined handle end capand carrier 89 includes, inwardly of the closure part 151, an annulargroove 157 between the closure part 151 and a raised shoulder 159 whichis otherwise annular except for two flats 161. As a consequence, theraised shoulder 159 can be inserted past the radially inwardly extendingflats 153 at the outer end of the handle 47 and the combined handle endcap and carrier can be rotated to effect a releasable bayonet-type lock.

Means are provided for locking the bayonet connection between thecombined carrier and handle end cap member 89 and the outer handle 47when the outer handle 47 is assembled on the inner tube 43. Whilevarious arrangements can be employed, in the disclosed construction, theinner portion 93 of the combined handle end cap and carrier 89 includesa radially extending projection 163 which, when the outer handle 47 isreceived on the inner tube 43, extends into the axial groove 67 of theinner tube bore 53. Thus,because of the interaction of the ribs 79 and81 and the recesses 83 and 87 which prevent relative rotation ofprovidedfor connecting the outer handle 47 to the clutch control member19 so as to effect clutch operation in response to axial movement of theouter handle 47 relative to the inner tube 43. While variousarrangements can be employed, in the disclosed construction, such meansincludes a push-pull cable 167 having an outer sheath 169 and the innerwire, core, or push-pull member 49 which is movable within the sheath169. More particularly, theouter sheath 169 is anchored or connected ateach end in respective metal sleeves 171 and 173. The metal sleeve 171adjacent to the combined clutch and throttle control assembly 41 extendsthrough an apertured boss 177 on the outer surface of the inner tube 43at the end thereof adjacent the tiller 21. In addition, the axially andradially outwardly extending rib 79 is provided with a recess 179 whichextends from the boss 177 and receives the end portion of the metalsleeve 171. In addition, the axially and radially outwardly projectingrib 79 is also provided with a smaller recess 181 which, at leastpartially, receives the inner wire or push-pull member 49.

Means are provided for preventing disconnection of the metallic endsleeve 171 from the inner tube 43. While various arrangements can beemployed, in the disclosed construction, a snap ring 183 is engaged onthe metal sleeve 171 and abuts the adjacent end of the boss 177 toprevent withdrawal of the metal sleeve 171 from the inner tube 43.

The inner end of the wire or push-pull member 49 includes a bentportion187 which is connected to a small cylindrical anchor 189which extendsinto a radially extending hole 191 in the outer handle 47 so as toprovide common movement of the wire or push-pull member 49 with theouter handle 47 axially of the inner tube 43. In addition, the axiallyextending recess 83 in the inner surface of the outer handle includes anadditional or counter recess 193 which cooperates with the recess 179 inthe rib 79 to house the metallic sleeve 171. In addition, there is ashort relatively small recess 197 which extends from the counter recess193 to the radial hole 191 and which cooperates with the recess 181 inthe rib 79 of the inner tube 43 to receive the end of the inner wire orpush-pull member 49. In addition, the cylindrical anchor 189 extendsdiametrically a sufficient distance so as to bridge the recess 1181 inthe inner tube 43 and rides on the outer surface of the projecting rib79 on the inner tube. Such bridging action, as well as receipt of theanchor 189 in the radially extending hole 191 in the outer handle 47prevents rotary movement of the inner wire 49 relative to the outerhandle 47.

The other end of the push-pull cable 167 is connected to the propulsionunit 17 and to the clutch control member 19. More specifically, at itsother end, the metallic sleeve 173 has a threaded portion 221 on whichthere is located a knurled adjusting nut 223. The knurled adjusting nut223 also includes an enlarged portion 227 which is receivable in a cablelock 229 fixed on the propulsion unit 17. At its rearward end, themetallic sleeve 173 is telescopically, slideably received in a firstlengthwise bore 230 in a tubular connecting member 231 which includes aspring biased bayonettype lock 233 enterable into and cooperable with anapertured bayonet receiving configuration on the clutch control member19.

In addition, means are provided for anchoring the inner core or wire 49to the connecting member 231 and for limiting the permissable extent oftravel of the inner core 49 relative to the outer sheath 169 to therebypreclude disconnection or disassembly of the outer handle 47 from theinner tube 43. While various arrangement can be employed, in thedisclosed construction, the connecting member 231 includes a second orsmaller diameter lengthwise bore 232 which extends from the bore 230, aswell as a diametric bore 237 which intersects the'smaller bore 230 andwhich receives a tubular anchor member 239 having a cross bore 241 whichreceives the end of the inner core, wire, or push-pull member 49extending from the smaller lengthwise bore 232 in the connecting member231. Extending from opposite ends of the tubular anchor member 239 arescrews 243 which are threaded inwardly to crimp and anchor the innercore 49. Such crimping assures movement of the connecting member 231with the inner core 49 and also prevents loss of the anchor member 239from the connecting member 231. The means for limiting the extent ofpermissable travel of the outer sheath 169 relative to the inner core 49to prevent disassembly of the outer handle 47 from the inner tube 43includes the just described means for anchoring the inner core or wire49 to the connecting member 231, as well as dimensioning of the lengthof the bore 230 of the connecting member 231 so that the amount oftravel into the bore 230 of the metallic sleeve 173 until engagement ofthe inner end of the sleeve 173 with the inner end of the bore 230 isless than the amount of travel required to telescopically disassemblethe outer handle 47 from the inner tube. Additional travel permittingsuch disassembly is permitted by loosening the screws 243 to permitrelative movement between the core 49 and the connecting member 231.

When the outer handle 47 is moved from the neutral position outwardlyfrom the tiller 21 to the forward drive position, the inner core isdrawn through the outer sheath 169 causing the telescopic engagement ofthe connecting member 231 with the metallic sleeve 173 to be increasedand such increase in telescopic engagement, in view of the fixedlocation of the knurled nut 227 relative to the propulsion unit 17,causes movement of the clutch control member 19 from the neutral to theforward drive position. Similarly, when the outer handle 47 is movedinwardly toward the tiller 21 from the neutral position to the reversedrive position, the inner core 49 is pushed through the outer sheath 169to extend the connecting member 231 relative to the metallic sleeve 173.Because of the fixed connection of the metallic sleeve 173 to thepropulsion unit 17, such movement of the connecting member 231 relativeto the cable lock 229 serves to move the clutch control member 231 tothe reverse position. In a similar fashion, movement of the outer handle43 to neutral from either of the reverse or the forward drive positionswill cause movement of the connecting member 231 so as to move theclutch control member to its neutral position.

Thus, there is provided an arrangement wherein coordinated steering,speed, and clutch control can be achieved by one handed manipulation ofthe clutch and throttle control assembly. While the disclosedarrangement can be employed as original equipment, the disclosedconstruction is particularly adapted to be used as a kit for adaptationor conversion to one handed operation of presently existing outboardmotors which include a clutch control member at a remote point from thethrottle controlling hand grip at the end of the tiller. Such conversioncan be readily accomplished by removing the hand grip at the end of thetiller and by substituting therefor the inner tube 43 of the disclosedconstruction, together with the other components of the clutch andthrottle control assembly 41 and of the push-pull cable 167 and theconnection thereof to the propulsion unit 17 and to the clutch andthrottle control assembly 41.

It is particularly noted that the disclosed construction affordsthrottle advance while the clutch is in neutral to facilitate startingand warming up of the engine. In addition, clutch movement in eitherdirection from neutral requires depression of the button 137 to releasethe lock afforded by engagement of the cylindrical portion 121 of thelock and detent member 117 in the aperture 73 in the inner tube 43.Thus, inadvertent reversal of the direction of propulsion afforded bythe outboard motor is precluded. It should be further noted that theengine throttle should be reduced to a low setting prior to moving theouter handle axially relative to the inner sleeve to actuate the clutch.

Various of the features of the invention are set forth in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. An outboard motor including a steerable propulsion unit, a clutchcontrol member movably mounted on said propulsion unit, a tillerconnected to said propulsion unit for effecting steering of saidpropulsion unit, a movably mounted throttle control member mounted onsaid propulsion unit, and a combined clutch and throttle control meansmounted on said tiller for operating said clutch control member and saidthrottle control member and including a member mounted on said tillerfor rotation relative thereto and operably connected to said throttlecontrol member for actuation of said throttle control member in responseto rotation of said member, and an element adapted to be manuallyactuated by the operator and connected to said member for rotarymovement in common with said member and for axial movement relative tosaid member and operably connected to said clutch control member foractuation of said clutch control member in response to axial movement ofsaid element.

2. A throttle and clutch control assembly adapted to be movably mountedon the tiller of an outboard motor and including a first member adaptedto be mounted on the tiller for rotary movement relative thereto andincluding means for connection to a throttle control member on theoutboard motor to actuate the throttle control member in response torotation of said first member, a second member adapted to be actuated byan operator and connected to said first member for common rotarymovement with said first member and for reciprocal movement relative tosaid first member, and a push-pull cable including an outer sheath fixedto said first member and a core movable in said outer sheath andconnected, at one end, to said second member for common movement withsaid second member and adapted to be connected, at the other end, to aclutch controlling member on the outboard motor for actuation thereof inresponse to reciprocal movement of said second member.

3. A throttle and clutch control assembly adapted to be movably mountedon the tiller of an outboard motor and including an inner tube adaptedto be rotatably mounted on the tiller and connected to a throttlecontrol member on the outboard motor to actuate the throttle controlmember, an outer handle telescopically mounted on said inner tube forcommon rotary movement with said inner tube and for movement relative tosaid inner tube along the axis of inner tube rotation, and a push-pullcable having an outer sheath anchored, at one end, to said inner tubeand adapted to be anchored at the other end to the outboard motor, andfurther including an inner core movable in said outer sheath andconnected, at one end, to said outer handle for common movementtherewith and adapted to be connected, at the other end, to a clutchcontrol member on the outboard motor.

4. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 3wherein said outer handle is movable relative to said inner tuberelative to a neutral position, and further including a releasable lockmeans carried by said outer handle and cooperating with said inner tubefor releasably locking said outer handle in said neutral positionrelative to said inner tube.

5. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 4wherein said releasable lock means comprises a catch on said inner tube,a lock member carried by said outer handle for movement relative to aposition engaging said catch, and means biasing said lock member to saidposition engaging said catch.

6. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 5 andfurther including means on said outer handle for withdrawing said lockmember from said position of engagement with said catch against theaction of said lock member biasing means, and means on said outer handlefor biasing said lock member with drawing means to a position affordingmovement of said lock member to said position of engagement with saidcatch in response to the action of said lock member biasing means.

7. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 6wherein said outer handle comprises a tubular member open at one end andfurther including a closure and carrier member supporting said lockmember, said lock member biasing means, said lock member withdrawalmeans, and said means biasing said lock member withdrawal means andincluding a part closing said one end of said outer handle.

8. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 7wherein said lock member withdrawal means includes a button extendingthrough said part closing said one end of said outer handle.

9. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 7wherein said outer handle and said closure and carrier member includecooperating telescopically engageable and relatively movable bayonettypeparts for releasably locking said closure and carrier member to saidouter handle and wherein said inner tube and said closure and carriermember includes cooperating parts preventing rotative movementtherebetween so as to assure alignment of said lock member with saidcatch and to prevent rotation of said closure and carrier memberrelative to said outer handle and thereby prevent release of the lockbetween said outer handle and said closure and carrier member when saidouter handle and said inner tube are in assembled relation.

10. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accorsaid inner corerelative to said outer sheath.

1. An outboard motor including a steerable propulsion unit, a clutchcontrol member movably mounted on said propulsion unit, a tillerconnected to said propulsion unit for effecting steering of saidpropulsion unit, a movably mounted throttle control member mounted onsaid propulsion unit, and a combined clutch and throttle control meansmounted on said tiller for operating said clutch control member and saidthrottle control member and including a member mounted on said tillerfor rotation relative thereto and operably connected to said throttlecontrol member for actuation of said throttle control member in responseto rotation of said member, and an element adapted to be manuallyactuated by the operator and connected to said member for rotarymovement in common with said member and for axial movement relative tosaid member and operably connected to said clutch control member foractuation of said clutch control member in response to axial movement ofsaid element.
 2. A throttle and clutch control assembly adapted to bemovably mounted on the tiller of an outboard motor and including a firstmember adapted to be mounted on the tiller for rotary movement relativethereto and including means for connection to a throttle control memberon the outboard motor to actuate the throttle control member in responseto rotation of said first member, a second member adapted to be actuatedby an operator and connected to said first member for common rotarymovement with said first member and for reciprocal movement relative tosaid first member, and a push-pull cable including an outer sheath fixedto said first member and a core movable in said outer sheath andconnected, at one end, to said second member for common movement withsaid second member and adapted to be connected, at the other end, to aclutch controlling member on the outboard motor for actuation thereof inresponse to reciprocal movement of said second member.
 3. A throttle andclutch control assembly adapted to be movably mounted on the tiller ofan outboard motor and including an inner tube adapted to be rotatablymounted on the tiller and connected to a throttle control member on theoutboard motor to actuate the throttle control member, an outer handletelescopically mounted on said inner tube for common rotary movementwith said inner tube and for movement relative to said inner tube alongthe axis of inner tube rotation, and a push-pull cable having an outersheath anchored, at one end, to said inner tube and adapted to beanchored at the other end to the outboard motor, and further includingan inner core movable in said outer sheath and connected, at one end, tosaid outer handle for common movement therewith and adapted to beconnected, at the other end, to a clutch control member on the outboardmotor.
 4. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accordance withclaim 3 wherein said outer handle is movable relative to said inner tuberelative to a neutral position, and further including a releasable lockmeans carried by said outer handle and cooperating with said inner tubefor releasably locking said outer handle in said neutral positionrelative to said inner tube.
 5. A throttle and clutch control assemblyin accordance with claim 4 wherein said releasable lock means comprisesa catch on said inner tube, a lock member carried by said outer handlefor movement relative to a position engaging said catch, and meansbiasing said lock member to said position engaging said catch.
 6. Athrottle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 5 andfurther including means on said outer handle for withdrawing said lockmember from said position of engagement with said catch against theaction of said lock member biasing means, and means on said outer handlefor biasing said lock member withdrawing means to a position affordingmovement of said lock member to said position of engagement with saidcatch in response to the action of said lock member biasing means.
 7. Athrottle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 6 whereinsaid outer handle comprises a tubular member open at one end and furtherincluding a closure and carrier member supporting said lock member, saidlock member biasing means, said lock member withdrawal means, and saidmeans biasing said lock member withdrawal means and including a partclosing said one end of said outer handle.
 8. A throttle and clutchcontrol assembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein said lock memberwithdrawal means includes a button extending through said part closingsaid one end of said outer handle.
 9. A throttle and clutch controlassembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein said outer handle and saidclosure and carrier member include cooperating telescopically engageableand relatively movable bayonet-type parts for releasably locking saidclosure and carrier member to said outer handle and wherein said innertube and said closure and carrier member includes cooperating partspreventing rotativE movement therebetween so as to assure alignment ofsaid lock member with said catch and to prevent rotation of said closureand carrier member relative to said outer handle and thereby preventrelease of the lock between said outer handle and said closure andcarrier member when said outer handle and said inner tube are inassembled relation.
 10. A throttle and clutch control assembly inaccordance with claim 3 and further including means preventingdisassembly of said outer handle and said inner tube comprising meanslimiting relative movement of said inner core relative to said outersheath.